The Lewis Windfarm

Late 2004, an application was submitted by multinational company Amec to construct a park of 234 windturbines on the Isle of Lewis. Each turbine would measure about 450 feet in height. These machines would be built over a distance of 40 miles, from Ness in the far north to Stornoway in the east. A simple calculation shows that this means one turbine for every 250 metres. Local people are fiercely opposed. Western Isles Council does not see it that way. They are quite pleased with the anticipated profit of £166m per year, which would more than annul the Western Isles trade deficit, currently at £163m per annum. A public consultation exercise took place, and objections were raised. By the RSPB, local trout breeders, naturalists and others. The centre of Lewis is one huge peatbog. Peat to a depth of 20 feet, which is a unique habitat for various species of wildlife and plantlife. The construction of these windmills would cause irretrievable damage. Only for the construction alone, 100 miles of road is required. In spite of the fact that 90% of the population is opposed, Western Isles Council has approved the windpark. The community councils have previously approved the proposals as well. However, there have been three separate instances where councillors were called in for a carpeting by their local populace. The complaint was that the councillors allegedly failed to represent local opinion.

It is central government policy that fossil fuels be phased out by 2020, to be replaced by windpower. The people of Lewis are not opposed to wind energy. If they had their way, each village would have a few turbines for their own energy requirements. The huge turbines envisaged are to generate electricity for industry in the Scottish Central Belt, between Edinburgh and Glasgow. It should be taken there along a 400 kV high voltage cable from Ullapool to Denny, near Stirling, along a 200 mile corridor. This requires huge pylons, and these proposals have already generated a vociferous campaign of opposition. Current state of affairs is that the proposal has been put in front of the Scottish Executive. I think it will be approved. Jack MacConnell, the Scottish First Minister, is a pal of British PM Tony Blair. The fierce discussions in the community councils of Laxdale, Airidhantuim and Ness, give an indication of the reactions to an approval by Holyrood. I doubt however that it will make any difference.

There is a second windpark foreseen for the island. 133 turbines are to be built in the derilict district of Eishken, in southeastern Lewis. Its population was forcibly evicted in the 1820s. Current estate owner Philip Oppenheimer can do what he pleases, and this could make him a billionnaire. The surrounding districts of North Harris, Aline, Kinloch and South Lochs are home to 500 people. They have been promised a share in the profits, provided they join the relevant Trust. If they don't join, they will not share. The only thing is, that the area of Eishken and the adjacent Harris mountains, are of great scenic value. This will be severely damaged by a row of turbines.

I await the decision by the Scottish Executive.