 Barvas Moor on Lewis includes protected peatlands |
The decision to reject the Lewis Wind Power (LWP) project has been met by a mix of anger and relief. Stakes in approving or rejecting the application were high. On one hand the generation of renewable energy and creation of hundreds of jobs, while on the other protecting an environmentally sensitive landscape. For now the wind-blasted sweep of Barvas Moor remains the haunt of birds such as golden eagle and plover, but LWP may submit new plans. It was estimated the scheme, if approved, would have generated 650 Megawatts (MW) of electricity.  |  Ministers have now reached their final decision and, while no decision can please everyone, most people will be relieved a conclusion has finally been arrived at |
This would have provided 7% of the renewable energy required for Scotland to meet its 50% green power by 2020 target. And enough electricity to meet the average needs of one million people, about the number of people living in Glasgow In a statement issued in the wake of the Scottish Government's refusal, the company said: "Lewis Wind Power is bitterly disappointed by the Scottish Government's decision to reject our proposal for a wind farm on Lewis. "Over the six years of this project, we have conducted extensive environmental and economic studies and designed the development around these findings. "As a result, we believe we had put forward a detailed case showing the benefits of our proposal and the benefits it would bring to Lewis, the Highlands and Islands region and to Scotland." LWP added: "We will be considering the government's response in detail before deciding on our next move." Comments from the isles' Nationalist MP and MSP touched on the furious debate and argument that has run for the last six years. 'Sheer scale' MSP Alasdair Allan said: "This was one of the most controversial planning developments that Scotland has faced in recent times. "Ministers have now reached their final decision and, while no decision can please everyone, most people will be relieved a conclusion has finally been arrived at." He added: "I have long made clear my own view that the sheer scale and environmental impact of this project was such that it could not command the support of the communities most affected. "That was not the view of some others in the islands, and they argued their case with integrity." MP Angus MacNeil also acknowledged there would be a lot of disappointment at the decision. He said: "One thing I will say is that both sides of the debate have advanced the argument they have thought was best for the future of the islands. "Although obviously divergent viewpoints, both I believe have been advanced with integrity. "However, in my view, such a massive scheme required the obvious consent of the people - the days of things being done to, and for people, without their consent I hope are long gone."  The moor provides habitat for wild birds, such as golden eagle |
RSPB Scotland, among the loudest opponents to the farm, welcomed the refusal of the planning application. Director Stuart Houston said it sent out the message that important environmental areas would not be sacrificed to meet green energy targets. He said: "This is an extremely commendable decision by the Scottish Government, it is absolutely right for Scotland. "The government has made it clear on this issue that renewables must be developed but not at any price. "There is clear evidence that we can meet our targets many times over without destroying our designated sites." Mr Houston added: "We hope that Lewis Wind Power now recognises that this is an inappropriate site for a wind farm and we seek reassurances from them that they will not seek to push modified versions of the same proposal on the same location." The Scottish Wildlife Trust said Barvas Moor was one of the most extensive and intact areas of blanket bog on the planet. Chairman Dennis Dick said: "Today's decision sends out a clear message that the Scottish Government is serious and committed to the protection and sustainability of Scotland's most important wildlife sites. Young people He added: "Ministers have guaranteed the continued protection of this sensitive peatland. "Furthermore, the decision reinforces the role and need for peatlands as stores of carbon." But the Scottish Government's decision looks unlikely to be the last word on the project. It had the backing of the local authority, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, which saw the jobs as an aid in tackling outward migration and the drain of young people from the isles to greater opportunities on the mainland. For some time to come yet the blades on the LWP debate are expected to keep turning.
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