News / Minister denies playing politics over Viking
SCOTTISH energy minister Fergus Ewing has insisted that local people’s concerns over the proposed Viking Energy wind farm have been taken on board, resulting in the downsized project approved by him on Wednesday.
Speaking to Shetland News, the minister said that most points raised by objectors had been dealt with through the most comprehensive habitat management plan of its kind.
He also vehemently denied suggestions that approving the 103 turbine wind farm was politically driven.
He said the 370 megawatt development would be a major contributor towards Scotland’s ambitious renewables target and would reduce Scotland’s carbon footprint by 930,000 tonnes annually.
“We have taken account of all the representations received. Shetland Islands Council has supported the proposal and has re-affirmed that support.
“Yell community council was in favour of the proposal, while Tingwall, Whiteness and Weisdale community council objected. Two other community councils did neither object nor endorse.
“Many of the objections were in relation to factors such as impact on the environment, which we have sought to deal with. This will be handled very effectively by the requirement of the most exacting habitat management plan that we have ever required as a condition of consent.
“I think it would be crude and misleading to say that we are ignoring a clear majority opinion. Opinion has been divided; divided amongst community councils, divided amongst islanders, and divided among the representation received.
“We have compromised in that the original application was for 150 turbines, and the consent has been given for 103. That followed a long process of engagement and dialogue with all relevant bodies since 2009,” the minister said.
He added that he had decided against holding a public inquiry because Shetland Islands Council, as local planning authority, had supported the project and, secondly, there had been no outstanding areas that required further consideration.
A public inquiry would only have served to delay matters even further, the minister said.
“My feeling is that this is the right decision because of the huge benefits that it will pave the way for in Shetland and for its people and communities,” he said.
He said granting consent at the end of the current council was not politically motivated.
“I cannot consider political matters when I take a decision. It is improper for me so to do. I consider each case only on its merits. The submission before me was one which I felt would be appropriate and right to take now.
“We are not in the throes of any election campaign at the moment, although the local election campaign is imminent. I think it would be wholly wrong for me as minister to take these decisions based on political considerations. I do not, and it would be wrong for me so to do,” he said.
But he added that the SNP administration in Holyrood wanted Scotland to lead the way in developing renewables.
“We want Scotland to exploit the massive potential of renewable energy, and that potential is greatest in the western and northern isles.
“This decision will also allow for the construction of an interconnector to the mainland to export electricity and to allow the islands to develop further renewables, including marine renewables.
“Most people agree that the potential for wave and tidal energy is at its greatest around the northern isles,” Mr Ewing said.
He added that the wind farm would generate “very substantial” economic and social benefits, not just in the jobs directly provided, but also in the potential for 350 future jobs once revenues start to flow into the Shetland Charitable Trust.
Related stories from today:
Viking Energy approval heralds new era
Viking Energy welcomes decision
Turning Shetland into one large wind farm
Mixed reaction to Viking decision
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -
- Remove non-local ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
