July 21, 2012
Scotland

Protesters to take to the hills

By Richard Watt | The Courier | 20 July 2012

Protesters behind plans to derail a proposed Angus windfarm have organised a walk along its area next month.

In December, Eurowind UK Ltd announced proposals for 17 turbines at Nathro Hill, near Brechin.

The limited company set up for the project has now applied to Scottish ministers for consent.

As its public consultation exercise for the 50 megawatt (MW) project on the Careston Estate continues, a representative of resident group Stop Windfarm At Nathro (Swan) has signalled the intention to mount a visible protest.

A spokesman, who asked not to be named, said: “The local group formed to oppose a windfarm at Nathro Hill in Glen Lethnot are planning a protest march along the proposed turbine route.

“Swan are inviting members of the public wishing to keep the Angus Glens free of the 17 enormous turbines planned by the developer Eurowind to join them for a walk to the top of Peat Hill in Glen Lethnot.”

The meeting is proposed for August 12 at 11am, starting at the entrance to Blairno Farmyard.

The spokesman added: “All are welcome, but to protect wild birds on the hill, walkers are requested not to bring dogs.”

There is a period between the official submission to Scottish ministers and consideration, expected to end on August 22, during which public submissions on proposals can be lodged.

Should the proposal be approved, construction will begin in spring next year and the first electricity will be generated in winter the year after.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The Scottish Government can confirm it has received an application from the developer, which will be considered in due course.”

The firm itself has spoken optimistically about exhibitions held in Brechin and Lethnot.

Its development director, Ian Lindsay, said: “We are very grateful for all the feedback we received during the consultation period.

“We see this as part of an ongoing dialogue with local communities about how we can minimise the impact for local people and maximise the benefit to the communities in the area, should Nathro Hill windfarm be approved.”

The Swan spokesman said that objections would have to be with the government by August 22 to be effective.

He added: “We will be calling a public meeting. Hope to get the Inveresk and Brechin community councils to convene special meetings.

“We also plan a protest walk along the turbine route, will be starting an online petition and be encouraging all to write letters to the council and the Scottish Government.”

Swan had earlier stated the windfarm proposals are “threatening to the jewels of Angus” – its glens. However, a consultant acting for developer Eurowind UK said the firm found the outcome of discussions “valuable”.

Eurowind UK, through its subsidiary Nathro Hill Windfarm Ltd, proposes what it describes as a “significant” community benefit investment for the area, should consent be given.

This equates to £3.5K per MW installed capacity, which could generate income of more than £200,000 per annum (index linked) depending on the final installed capacity.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/07/21/protesters-to-take-to-the-hills/