In a parliamentary debate, Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser, has blasted a controversial wind farm planned for one of Scotland’s last unspoilt beauty spots.
The 24 turbines planned at Talladh-a-Bheithe will be over 125 metres tall of which 22 will be built on blanket bog and peatlands.
Extracts from parliamentary speech below.
Speaking in the Chamber Murdo Fraser MSP said;
“In my view, and that of many other interested parties, the Talladh-a-Bheithe application represents a test case to determine whether the Scottish Government is actually serious about protecting our wild land.
“The turbines which are proposed for this site would be erected in an area identified by Scottish Natural Heritage as wild land. Anyone who has visited the location will understand why that is. Rannoch Moor is at the very heart of wild Scotland and the views from over 30 Munros and Corbetts would be irreversibly spoiled if this application gets the green light. I use the word irreversible because although these turbines might claim to be temporary, the scars left by 12.8 kilometres of access tracks will be visible for a lifetime.
“A few weeks ago I climbed some of the hills to the north of Ben Alder. This is as close as we get in the central Highlands to a true wilderness, and it would be a tragedy to see it despoiled with an industrial development.
“Today’s debate is not only important for the communities surrounding the proposed Talladh-a-Bheithe wind farm but for the 41 other areas across Scotland that are identified as wild land by Scottish Natural Heritage. Their unspoilt status is now in jeopardy.
“The Scottish Government have received nearly 1000 statements in opposition to the development in contrast to just 23 in support.
“Many of those in opposition have livelihoods that are dependent on tourist revenue earned thanks to the natural beauty of Rannoch Moor. Over 30,000 people a year scale the popular Schiehallion Mountain, and walking tourism is a major contributor to the local economy.
“SNH have highlighted the “significant damage” this development would have on the Rannoch Moor peatlands and blanket bog, features which have been identified as nationally important under Scottish Planning Policy.
“SNH have also given a damning verdict on the diligence of the environmental statement and believe that if approved, the peatlands and blanket bog resource would be “permanently lost.” Peatlands are carbon sinks. Destroying them to build windfarms is an illogical move that will no doubt result in higher rather than lower carbon emissions.
“Just over two months ago the Scottish Government released its third National Planning Framework which included a commitment to protect 19% of our landscape from onshore wind turbines.
“When announcing NPF 3, the Planning Minister, Derek Mackay assured the Scottish public that, “We have taken steps to ensure that no wind farm developments can go ahead in our cherished National Parks and National Scenic Areas, and we have strengthened the protection of wild land.”
“However, Talladh-a-Bheithe will be located just 2km north of the Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon National Scenic Area.
“At the time I cautioned that these guidelines do not go far enough as developments will still be possible on wild land.
“Many will have seen the recently published John Muir Trust map highlighting the visual encroachment of wind farms across most of Southern and Eastern Scotland. If approved, Loch Rannoch, one of the last truly wild places in Scotland will join the long list of casualties at the hands of wind turbines.
“I would like to hear from the Minister today say, in responding to this debate, that this is a site unsuitable for a development of this nature, but I appreciate that he is prohibited from making that statement.
“Instead, it would be helpful if he could clarify the precise status of the SNH wild land map, and in what circumstances renewal energy developments will be permitted on the wild land areas identified.
“The Scottish Government talks tough on protecting wild land and Talladh-a-Bheithe represents their chance to prove it.
“The SNP has spent a lot of time this past week talking about honouring vows and promises. It is now their time to honour their commitment to protecting Scotland’s precious wild land.”