Viking test masts approved

WIND farm developers Viking Energy have been granted temporary planning permission to erect two 60 metre meteorological masts with bird diverters near the Lang Kames and Nesting.

The application was opposed by Billy Fox, chairman of anti Viking campaign group Sustainable Shetland, who argued that the company had “an abysmal record” in complying with planning conditions.

The group raised concerns about the company breaching planning conditions while accessing another test mast last May and councillors’ conflict of interest dealing with Viking Energy, as they sit on Shetland Charitable Trust that owns 45 per cent of the development.

Mr Fox said: “Failure to bring them to heel with these transgressions does not bode well for the future.”

The test masts will be erected at Scar Quilse, south of the A970 Vidlin junction, and near the Hill of Flamister, north west of South Nesting.