Wind Power News: Scotland
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
‘Rural communities are being torn apart by wind farms’
Wind farm developers are being encouraged by the Scottish Government to offer “community benefits” – some might say bribes – to local communities when submitting planning applications. Communities are being invited to negotiate “benefits” with developers in advance of planning decisions. This is a threat to the impartiality of our planning system. Rural communities in the Borders are already being torn apart by wind farms. As developers rush to make substantial financial gain, often with scant regard for the impact . . .
Luxury hotel raises a storm over Kenly windfarm plans
The owners of the luxury Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa in St Andrews have expressed a “fundamental concern” over plans for a windfarm at Kenly Farm, near Boarhills. St Andrews University has lodged an application for a six-turbine, 12.3 megawatt facility at the site, a few miles south of St Andrews, which is a major component of its strategy to offset rising energy costs. However, the American owners of the five-star hotel complex claim it will threaten the . . .
Questions concerning Little Raith Wind Farm
We had a meeting with the developer of Little Raith Wind Farm (Kennedy Renewables) and their PR/Political Lobbying group (Invicta PA) back in October. Unfortunately, most of our questions couldn’t be answered at the time, but the developer took note of the issues and concerns raised, and notified us they will get back to us regarding our queries, and could we also include our concerns in writing. We contacted the developers and the four Community Councils on the 27th January . . .
MoD’s concerns over wind farms
Defence chiefs have raised concerns that the country’s nuclear submarine fleet could be put at risk by Scotland’s offshore wind farm scheme. Plans to erect hundreds of wind turbines off the west coast sparked fears over the safety of nuclear submarines operating out of Faslane Naval Base after MoD sources described the plans as “hazardous”. They warned offshore renewable developments could hamper access to the Clyde’s Trident base, as well as increase the risk of submarines running aground or colliding. . . .
Windfarm developer ‘sorry for confusion’
The firm behind controversial plans for a windfarm in the Howe of Fife has apologised to local people amid confusion about the level of financial benefits the community would receive should the plans go ahead. West Coast Energy has scaled down its application for a windfarm at Clatto Hill in Devon Wood and is now seeking permission to erect five turbines at a height of 115m each instead of the seven 121m turbines that were originally proposed. That means that . . .
Call for immediate end to Ochils windfarms
A call has been made for an immediate moratorium on windfarms in the Ochil hills due to the ”cavalier, duplicitous and philistine” approach of major power firms towards the area. With the prospect of another 18 turbines before Perth and Kinross Council planners, Councillor Mike Barnacle has made an impassioned plea for a halt to the ”industrialisation” of the hills. His call comes as energy firm Wind Prospect tries to enlarge its Burnfoot windfarm, near two others which were passed . . .
Council fear turbine “done deal”
Mearns Community Council have lodged an objection to an 81m wind turbine at Brigton, Laurencekirk, but with planning officials making a recommendation of approval they fear they are wasting their time. Chairman David Nelson told the council that the application was due to go before the area committee next week. “We have already objected to this turbine as it is right in the middle of arable farmland. “The planners are recommending approval, which goes completely against our wishes.” Member Alan . . .
University in wind farm row
Scotland’s oldest university is at odds with a prestigious hotel over plans for a new wind farm which it is feared will damage a historic town and affect tourism. St Andrews University has proposed six turbines to be built around five miles away from the town, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. However, the five-star Old Course Hotel, which borders the championship golf course, has objected saying it would have a “detrimental visual impact” , particularly on the Duke’s . . .
Lingo Wind Farm application submitted
Plans or a north east Fife wind farm, costing £15 million to build, have been submitted to Fife Council. Welsh-based company West Coast Energy wants to create a farm, as the Mail has previously detailed, which would consist of five 100-metre high turbines on land north of the B940 road between Largoward and Dunino. To be called Lingo Wind Farm, the developer insists it would be able to power around 7000 homes a year using green energy. No timescale has . . .
Mull Hill wind farm visual impact report “makes appalling viewing”
Further to WGR Thomson’s letter in last week’s Strathearn Herald, I have details of the visual impact report of the proposed nine-turbine Mull Hill wind farm above Connachan Farm opposite the old Foulford Inn. The report can be examined at the Strathearn Library. It makes appalling viewing. The huge turbines will despoil the long, pristine and continuous range of hills and mountains from the Sma’ Glen in the east way to the west beyond Comrie and Ben Vorlich. The turbines . . .
