Print page
RSPB Scotland welcomes windfarm refusal
Last modified: 14 June 2012
Whooper swans would have been at risk from the proposal
RSPB Scotland has welcomed Scottish Ministers’ decision to refuse consent for a 77.5MW, 30 turbine wind farm at Spittal, Caithness, following a public local inquiry last year. The conservation charity believes the proposed development could have had an adverse impact on important populations of whooper swans and greylag geese.
Stuart Benn, RSPB Scotland Conservation Manager, said : “We believe that Ministers have made the correct decision in refusing consent for this windfarm. Although RSPB Scotland supports renewable energy developments to combat climate change, these must be located appropriately, so they do not harm important bird populations.
“In this instance we didn’t think it has been shown that, together with other windfarm developments in this area, the internationally-important whooper swan and greylag goose populations of the nearby Caithness Lochs would be safe. Predicted collisions of birds with turbines could have led to a decrease in wintering numbers, contrary to the UK’s international responsibilities for nature conservation.”