The high price of wind farm checks

There is concern about overgrazing by the deer population

ORKNEY Islands Council has requested the Scottish Government handle the council’s own planning application for six wind turbines on the island of Hoy rather than it consider it itself; this is the first of three wind farms it is planning and it expects to submit the remaining two to Holyrood early next year.

To secure installation of a high-capacity interconnector to the mainland – previously widely trailed by the council as necessary to take tidal and wave exports to the Scottish mainland, which output has not materialised to date – planning permission for a minimum of 135MW of new generation is required to be contractually signed up before the end of 2021.

The council has just published “full documentation” on its planning and environmental appeals division website for public access and to facilitate public representations by January 21.

Copies of the Environmental Impact Assessment PDF can be read on screen by paying £15, or a paper copy ordered for £1,250.

Some might question what is going on.

DB Watson, Cumbernauld.

Aye I, I...

JOHN Birkett (Letters, December 24) rightly asks about English grammar taught to Nicola Sturgeon following her letter that includes “I and the Scottish Government....”

As standards of grammar have been in decline over many years, I suggest the answer is she was not taught this courtesy. I often wonder what level of grammar is taught in schools nowadays.

I have a Christmas card from a friend – yes, I have a few friends – beginning with the printed message “From the dog and I”.

I and my wife wish you a Happy New Year.

David Miller, Milngavie.