A controversial wind farm development in the Monadhliath Mountains in the Highlands of Scotland has been approved by the Scottish government despite huge opposition from local people and environmentalists. The 33 turbine farm and the massive infrastructure of roads,power lines and substations will cover a remote and ecologically sensitive site and at 2000' above sea level will be an highly visually intrusive industrial development in an area popular with walkers and wildlife observers.
The windfarm in the Monadhliath Mountains was recommended for approval by Highland Council despite opposition from more than 1,500 people, three community councils, the John Muir Trust and the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Sigrid Rausing, owner of neighbouring Coignafearn Estate and youngest daughter of Tetra Pak billionaire Hans Rausing, warned the “vast structures will be a testament to our folly of allowing landowners and corporations to exploit the public impulse to protect the environment”.
Ms Rausing was in Barbados yesterday, but said earlier: “This part of the Monadhliath has high ecological sensitivity, with abundant blanket bog and a suite of birds protected by European law. This proposal is neither green nor sustainable. It is economically unviable without government subsidies.”
Mountaineering spokesman Chris Townsend said: “This is destroying the environment in order to protect it. I see no reason why wind farms need to be built in uninhabited wild areas. At 2,000ft up this one will be highly visible.”
Allan Johnston, of RES in Scotland, said: “Everyone here is delighted with the positive decision by the Scottish Government. Dunmaglass is an ideal location for a windfarm' Conservationists however point out that the hugely profitable wind industry see every inch of the UK as 'an ideal location' with no regard for ecological degradation or visual impact. No problem when most of the developers live abroad or in the south east of England!
No one was available for comment at Dunmaglass Estate yesterday, including owner, Bahamas-based billionaire Sir Jack Hayward.
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