Wind farm plan is ‘disrespectful’

CONSERVATIONISTS have hit out over a planning application for a wind park in Galloway.

Campaigners behind “Save Wigtown Bay” said it was disrespectful of renewable energy firm, Ecotricity, to submit the bid while the Scottish Government was still considering its appeal against a ban on building a meteorological mast as part of the seven turbine site.

Dumfries and Galloway Council previously ruled against Ecotricity’s proposed 262ft met mast on the grounds that it would “result in a loss of amenity and have a detrimental visual impact on the landscape character of the Galloway Hills Regional Scenic Area”.

Campaigners want to preserve Wigtown as “one of the last unspoilt vistas” in the whole of southern Scotland.

Ecotricity subsequently appealed the decision in October 2014, but the Scottish Government reporter in charge of the appeal is still considering the case.

However, last week the firm announced that it had made an online planning application for the California Wind Park and was preparing to submit a hard copy of the application, along with a full Environmental Statement, to Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Martin Green, chairman of Save Wigtown Bay, said: “What an audacious, downright dirty and disrespectful move on behalf of Ecotricity.”

He added: “This project is entirely inappropriate and at odds with the local council and public.”

Ecotricity says the project will help cut carbon emissions and generate electricity for 50,000 homes.

A spokesman for Ecotricity said: “Dumfries and Galloway Council are inviting comments on the proposal.”

Public drop-in sessions about the development take place at Carsluith Village Hall on March 4 and Wigtown County Buildings on March 5, from 1pm-8pm both days. ROWS of runners dressed in bright clothing formed a rainbow before setting off on a run to celebrate LGBT History Month.

The third annual Rainbow Run began at Glasgow Caledonian University, with competitors allocated a colour depending on the month of their birth. It was organised by Glasgow FrontRunners, an awardwinning inclusive community-based road-running group with links to Glasgow’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. Picture: Jamie Simpson