Campaign petitions against different 'Loch Ness Monster': Development of wind turbines

A new campaign, named Save Loch Ness, has started a petition attempting to remove the threat of wind turbines around the historic lake in Scotland.

The Save Loch Ness campaign laments the continued industrialization of an expected World Heritage Site, and the lack of initiative taken by the Scottish Government to curb the applications for hundreds of turbines on the iconic hills and mountains.

According to them, Scotland’s highland heritage is under threat from over 500 wind turbines, thousands of tonnes of concrete, and hundreds of miles of bulldozed access track approved and in the planning stage within 22 miles radius of Loch Ness.

The campaign stated: “The impacts of these industrial machines, most over 125m high, visible day and night, will be catastrophic in the landscapes that are still miraculously preserved from destructive industrialization.”

Loch Ness is the world’s most famous lake. Loch Ness is 23 miles long, has a surface area of 22 square miles and the deepest point is 230 metres. It also contains the largest volume of freshwater in the UK. Loch Ness and the Great Glen are of World heritage standard status although not, as yet, allocated that honour. They can be considered to be of international value, recognition and regard, and are Scotland’s second most popular tourist draw. The Save Loch Ness group defines Loch Ness as “one of the main jewels of Scotland.”

The Save Loch Ness Group said: “People across Scotland want to know - they have a right to know - how many industrial wind turbines are operational, approved and in the planning system. 
It is time to stop accepting any more turbine applications and to allow those approved to be constructed so that we can stand back and see if they are performing as promised and if the landscape can absorb any more. To continue without having that knowledge is unacceptable and irresponsible.”

Their petition consists of three demands: 1. To afford protection to the Loch Ness and Great Glen by designating it as a National Scenic Area; 
2. To recommend that a priority application is made to UNESCO for designation of Loch Ness and the Great Glen as a World Heritage Site; 
3. To take appropriate steps to discourage further wind turbine developments in the area and support the restoration of all sites therein damaged by wind turbines.

Advertisement

Jim Treasurer, a spokesperson for the campaign, recently told Radio Scotland: "the Save Loch Ness group is not against wind farms or renewable energy, but we are concerned at the location of the proposed turbines.”

A representative for the Scottish government replied: "Our policy on onshore wind farms aims to strike a careful balance between utilizing Scotland's significant renewable energy resources whilst protecting our finest scenic landscapes and natural heritage.”

For their full statement, click here. 

For the video of the Save Loch Ness Campaign, you can look at:

For a look at the petition, you can click here. 

 

Share this article: