Lewis wind farm gets thumbs down

Today's decision by the Scottish government to reject plans for a huge wind farm on protected peatlands on the Isle of Lewis has been welcomed by the RSPB. Stuart Housden, Director of RSPB Scotland, said: "This is an extremely commendable decision by the Scottish government that is absolutely right for Scotland. It sends a very strong message that in meeting our ambitious and welcome renewable targets, we do not have to sacrifice our most important environmental resources."

"The Scottish government has made it clear, in repeated statements on this issue, that renewables must be delivered but not at any price. There is clear evidence that we can meet our targets many times over without destroying our designated sites and most of the renewable energy industry operates on this principle. 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 simply seek to continue pushing modified versions of the same proposal in the same location. We are, however, very willing to work with them to identify new areas in Scotland that would be suitable for renewable energy development."

Black-throated Diver, undisclosed site, Argyll (Photo: Bill Jackson)

The RSPB had been particularly concerned about the threats to key bird species - including Golden Eagles, Red-throated and Black-throated Divers, and Merlins. They were also concerned about impacts on Dunlin and Golden Plovers, which breed on this fragile peatland habitat in high densities.