The Scottish Government is to be applauded for its courageous decision to refuse permission for the Lewis wind farm, despite substantial pressure from the developer (your report, 26 January).
It would appear that the decision was taken on environmental grounds and because of the considerable concern expressed by the European Commission. The implications for other wind farms must be obvious.
Campaigners had consistently warned that this wind farm would cause “irreversible damage” to one of the country’s most important wetland sites. In addition, the RSPB also opposed the project, disputing job figures put forward by developers and raising concerns about the farm’s impact on local wildlife.
However, it needs to be remembered that there are other wind farm applications such as at Edinbane on the Isle of Skye, Dava Moor and Gordon Bush where the same reasons for refusal would apply and the Scottish Government needs to take this into account, bearing in mind that the European Commission is also concerned about these potential developments.
JOHN B P HODGSON
Kerrol Farm
Edinbane, Isle of Skye
28 January 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/01/28/government-to-be-applauded-over-decision-on-lewis-wind-farm-proposal/