A proposed extension to a wind development on the Isle of Lewis will further spoil one of Scotland’s most remote areas of wild land, according to conservation charity, the John Muir Trust (JMT)
Visualisations prepared by the developer show some of the impact the full development will have on one of Scotland’s wildest areas. However, a key viewpoint from the summit of Uisinis, which would show the impact of the six-turbine extension, has not been fully examined due to health and safety reasons, according to the developer Crionaig Power.
The JMT is objecting to the extension of the Muaitheabhal scheme, which would add six 150 metre high turbines to 33 turbines which were consented in January 2010 after a Public Local Inquiry.
Helen McDade, head of policy for the John Muir Trust: “We are amazed that a crucial photomontage which would show the true impact of the extension on an area of high quality wild land has not been created because of health and safety.”
“Crionaig Power also appear to argue that because the wildness of the area will already be damaged, it can’t be further eroded. But the loss of wild land in increments can be just as damaging as the effect of one very large, poorly sited development.”
“It is remarkable that after a major public inquiry to determine the size of this development, an application to extend it by nearly 20% could potentially be passed through without this level of scrutiny.”
“Applications such as this one demonstrate the urgent need for a new designation to protect Scotland’s wild land.”
The turbines at Muaitheabhal will be highly visible from Beinn Mhor, which at 572m is the highest peak in the Pairc range in southeastern Lewis, and also from an area of high quality wild land south of Loch Sealg, which has been identified by SNH as one of only four areas in Scotland more than 5 miles (8km) away from any road.
The proposed development will also be constructed on internationally important peatland habitat. Given the importance of peatlands, both ecologically and for their role in combating climate change, the Trust believes that wind power developments should be sited away from deep peat and blanket bog sites.