What would it take for SNP government to turn down a wind farm application?

A wind farm of 20 turbines each measuring 110m at Cairn Duchies, 1.5km south east of the village of Ferness, has been approved by the Scottish Government despite almost 2,000 objections and objections from Highland and Moray Councils, Cairngorms National Park Authority, the John Muir Trust and Community Councils. Those fighting the wind farm said it would destroy the stunning scenery and nature which attracts tourists, particularly the Dava Moors, which has special landscape area status, and the Cairngorms National Park. How can the Government justify overruling this undeniable show of opinion from highlanders? in england since July 2015 any application to build wind turbines has had to have the clear backing of the community.

Why not here? This is not even only local opinion; it is also that of two council areas and national charities.

Those in the cities blithely say they are in favour of wind power. About 80 per cent of the population live in urban areas so the Government gets the answer in the polls that wind farms have public support. I seriously doubt if people really think about the question for those living in the countryside. How many go on holiday abroad and never see their own country?

Nicola Sturgeon at the SNP conference referred to our beautiful country in regard to tourism. For those of us who appreciated this beauty before the arrival of wind farms, the claim rings hollow. In 1995 wind farms were visible from one per cent of the country, in 2005 it was 16 per cent and in 2015 it was 48 per cent.

SNH has stopped this mapping. Goodness knows what it is now. It can only have increased.

My deepest sympathy to those who have to live near these structures. The Reporter said two properties would be most affected, adding: “Others would be affected but the total number is low, none would be so affected that the property would become an unattractive place to live.”

How can he justify this and how angry would you feel when all you love about your home has been destroyed?

CELIA HOBBS Peebles Road, Penicuik Holyrood is backing a wind farm off the coast at Crail. There is opposition from the local community and RSPB.

Might I suggest that a turbine is erected on the grass outside the Scottish Parliament building to power their electricity needs?

There is enough hot air emanating from inside the chamber to move the turbine if the wind doesn’t blow.

DORIS MH DUFF Belmont Gardens, Edinburgh