Sallachy Wind Farm vital link in development of local community
I READ with interest and some anger the report of the proposed wind farm developments at Glencassley and Sallachy in Sutherland (“Tensions rise over wind farm plans for Highlands”, The Herald, May 18).
It is quite clear that Scottish National Heritage (SNH) and the other two environmental organisations objecting are not really in touch with local communities and local people. I am amazed they think that these wind farm developments will not bring a positive economic effect to the local communities because of the loss of tourism revenue.
Despite repeated studies demonstrating that tourism is not negatively affected by wind farm developments they repeat the myth.
If they would like to visit Lairg to have a look at the chronic decline of the village they will see that serious inward investment is essential and tourism has not and will not provide this.
It is extremely unlikely that anyone will lose their jobs at these environmental bodies if these wind farms go ahead but it is almost certain that in the short to mediumterm I will lose mine.
That one job may not mean much to anyone sitting in an office in Edinburgh or Inverness but the harsh reality for this area is that it will mean that the local school will lose two children – out of a total roll call of 31 – the local nursery will lose one child and local shops, contractors and services will not have our custom.
At least three part-time positions, employing local women, will be lost and my partner’s part-time position will be lost.
This is my personal situation and it can be repeated to some extent for many others. I am angry that my opportunity to earn a living to support my family is being denied by organisations and individuals who do not have to live and work in this community.
SNH states that it is in favour of renewable energy developments including onshore wind but wants to protect wild land. It says the developments should be in the right place and always talks about determining each wind farm application based on its own merits.
If that is the case then as the Sallachy Wind Farm site already includes two SSE hydro power stations, a tarred access road and all the associated infrastructure, including an electricity substation and transmission infrastructure as well as an emergency service and O2 telecoms mast, then it is not wild land and on its merits the Sallachy proposal would be one of the most suitable sites in Scotland.
I would urge our local politicians to look at the hard facts and see that the Sallachy Wind Farm development is not only on a suitable site but is vital in helping to achieve the social and economic viability of the local community. Iain Thomson, Estate Manager, Sallachy Estate, Lairg.