November 13, 2010
Scotland
Scotland
Islanders up in arms over offshore power plan
The Press and Journal, www.pressandjournal.co.uk 13 November 2010
The Press and Journal, www.pressandjournal.co.uk 13 November 2010
Campaigners on Tiree are up in arms over plans for a huge offshore windfarm which, they say, would cast a shadow over the island and threaten their way of life.
Under the plans by developer Scottish Power Renewables, there could be between 200 and 500 turbines just three miles from Tiree.
Up to 300 extra people in the form of staff and their families would put pressure on the amenities which cater to the island’s population of 800, say the objectors.
Robert Trythall, a member of campaign group No Tiree Array, said: “This is not anti-renewable or anti-green.
“This array is not an offshore windfarm, it is an inshore windfarm.
“We would have no problem if it was going to be 22 miles from land, but the visual impacts of this will be horrific.
“Scottish National Heritage has insisted that such is the nature of the Scottish seascape that offshore windfarms ought to be at least 22 miles from land.
“This would bring in 100 families, which could mean 300-400 people to an island with a population of 800.
“It would dictate wage structures and house prices. Existing amenities could be diluted.”
A spokesman for Scottish Power Renewables said the company saw this as an opportunity for the island to secure long-term jobs.
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/11/13/islanders-up-in-arms-over-offshore-power-plan/