December 20, 2007
Letters, Scotland

Bettyhill turbines would be Trojan horse

The attached photomontage is how I believe the two-turbine industrial power installation proposed for Bettyhill will look, as seen from the tourist viewpoint at Kirtomy corner.

The developers’ original proposal for the site was for 50 turbines, later reduced to 22. I expect that this application is a Trojan horse, to establish the industrial nature of Bettyhill so that more turbines can be added.

The renewable certificates are very lucrative, more so than crofting, and that is why every developer and his brother are proposing industrial installations – for the free cash being thrown at renewables by the taxpayer. But this proposal is not about who gets the free money, but who will pay for it. The primary income business of the area is tourism.

The land between Strathy and Bettyhill is one of the most outstanding natural areas in the whole of Scotland, one where every Briton has the right to explore the hills without the industrial impositions that cover the rest of the country. Greed sees to it that certain developers seek to take away this nature for their profit, droning on about ending global warming as if two turbines will have any impact whatsoever on such matters.

The proposed site is far too close to the coastline; no turbine should be seen as taller than Ben Loyal and Ben Hope. The regulations should stipulate no turbines within four miles of the coastline, so that the greedy developers keep their giant installations away from the magnificent scenery that we all share.

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As the regulations are bereft of such wisdom, it is up to you to submit your objection by January 18. You can do so in writing, or online at the website http://www.caithnesswindfarms.co.uk

In the spirit of conservation of the sacred spaces for which the Highlands are world famous, please take the time to object to this unsightly proposal.

Davide Khalil, Aultiphurst, Strathy

The Northern Times

20 December 2007


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/12/20/bettyhill-turbines-would-be-trojan-horse/