May 18, 2013
Scotland

Natural heritage: Trust joins in criticism

The Press and Journal | 18 May 2013 |

The John Muir Trust has joined the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) in issuing a plea for Highland councillors to reject plans for two large windfarm developments.

Helen McDade, John Muir Trust head of policy, said: “Both Glencassley and Sallachy are in the heart of Scotland’s core wild land, as mapped out by Scottish Natural Heritage. The claim that the Sallachy wind scheme could support 16 full-time jobs in the Highlands and bring in £43million to the local economy is fanciful and flies in the face of everything that has happened elsewhere in Scotland.

“The biggest economic threat to wild areas of the Highlands is that tourist-related businesses and jobs will be eroded as the character of the land changes. In a survey conducted last year by Scottish Natural Heritage and Scotland’s two national parks 86% respondents said they felt action is necessary to preserve wild land in Scotland.”

Council officers have recommended that councillors do not object to the proposals, for 48 turbines that will be at least 400ft high.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/05/18/natural-heritage-trust-joins-in-criticism/