July 28, 2008
Scotland
Scotland
Europe’s largest windfarm is to be built at one of Peeblesshire’s busiest entrances.
And the 152-turbine plant between Abingdon and Biggar has been described as an abomination by local MP David Mundell.
Thousands of tourists arrive in the western Borders every year from the M74.
But the picturesque hillsides will soon be home to the massive Clyde Windfarm.
First Minister Alex Salmond made the announcement in Glasgow this week.
He said: “The Clyde Windfarm will represent a very important step in the development of renewable energy in Scotland in meeting shared European targets.
“It is another step towards making Scotland the green energy capital of Europe.”
But the news has not been welcomed by campaigners opposing the turbines.
And Tweeddale MP David Mundell has also criticized the size of the development as well as the location.
He told us: “ This windfarm is far too big. It will scar and completely overwhelm the local landscape.
“It only got the go-ahead because it is not an SNP constituency. It is a political decision of the worst kind and one that is regretted.
“I am disappointed particularly for everyone involved in the efforts to campaign against it.”
The new Clyde Windfarm, which comes at a cost of £600 million, will produce enough electricity to power up to 320,000 homes when it s fully operational.
Around 200 jobs will be created during the construction stages and 30 staff employed on completion.
Work will begin next year on erecting the turbines with a completion date scheduled for 2011.
By David Knox
28 July 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/07/28/massive-windfarm-a-political-decision-of-the-worst-kind/