Still concerned

Sir, I read the letter of Mr Stuart Turner in The Banner last week with interest, however, there are at least two issues which cause me concern.

‘Looking at the photomontages, the turbines will have a much smaller impact than feared by many’. The use of the photomontage seems to have replaced the now-discredited ‘artist’s impression’ which so rarely bore much resemblance to the completed project. Similarly, we are all now familiar with the magical results achieved by Photoshop and CGI and are entitled to be wary about factual information being presented persuasively by this method.

‘The turbine design is such that the blades apparently won’t be visible while turning’. I’m sure the RSPB will be delighted with this innovation. Our feathered friends won’t know what hit them! However, from the human aesthetic point of view, it would be helpful if we were given a couple of examples of such turbines in situ in Scotland. Failing which, are we to be the guinea-pigs in this experiment? Of course, the blades will be fully visible when not turning.

I should make it clear that my criticisms are aimed at the developers and not at the very balanced report produced by Mr Turner.

The final argument put forward is notable only for its extreme vagueness. ‘A study has been done to see if tourist numbers have declined in areas with wind turbines and, from what they said, this doesn’t seem to be the case’. What study, when, and whereabouts? And, most important, how does it relate to the area of outstanding natural beauty which is Lamlash Bay and the Holy Isle?

Yours,

Iain Auld Lamlash